"Nahlrie?"
"Yes?" an elleth with pale blue eyes opened the door, and looked inquisitively at Tinwe.
"Hi, I'm not sure you'd remember me. Tinwe, Glorothond's sister."
"Oh Tinwe! It is so wonderful to see you home. Glorothond talks of you often."
"Good things I hope," Tinwe said, coming into the room and sitting in the couch Nahlrie offered. As she sat down, there was a soft cry from the next room. Nahlrie exited the room, and came back with a small bundle of blankets.
"Do you want to meet your niece?" Nahlrie said, coming over and sitting down beside Tinwe. Tinwe looked at the bundle, and saw the tiny face of her niece.
"She is beautiful," Tinwe said, smiling down at the small baby.
"This is Norui. She's only four months old."
"Aww, what a beautiful name. May I?"
Nahlrie handed Norui to Tinwe, who took her carefully, holding her close to her chest.
"So when did you arrive home?" Nahlrie asked, as Tinwe cooed over her niece.
"Just a little while ago actually."
"Hmm, I heard that Prince Legolas just arrived as well. And he was not alone either."
Tinwe blushed under her sister-in-law's piercing gaze.
"So the rumors were true. It seems you've been gone so long, no one recognized you. They kept saying some strange elleth had returned with the prince."
"I regret having been away for so long. But I have finally returned to see my family again."
"So what is the story with the prince? Did you just run into him on your way home?"
"Well, no," Tinwe said, turning to Nahlrie as she held Norui. "It's a long, complicated story."
"Well, could you shorten it a bit?" Nahlrie said pleasantly. Tinwe smiled.
"I was headed back from the far east, chasing a band of Orcs. They led me to the city of Minas Tirith, where a great battle was being fought between men and Orc. I was just going to assist them, but I rather unexpectedly ran into Prince Legolas, who was also there. He had been traveling with Lord Aragon, and had come to aid the White City as I had. So I explained my situation to him, and he explained his to me. We spent several months in the city, just enjoying each other's company. Neither of us had seen one of our kin for a long while. He seemed to remember me from a rather unfortunate meeting two millennia ago. Anyway, when it was time to leave, we decided to travel together, since neither of us had been home in so long."
Nahlrie sat in silence for a while, after taking her daughter and walking her around during Tinwe's tale.
"I think there is more to your story than you are telling," she said finally, looking at her sister-in-law. "Do not forget, I too am in love."
Tinwe blushed deeper scarlet.
"It is true. I love him dearly. It took me a long while to realize it, for I had not been with my own people for so long, I thought my feelings were merely excitement for being amongst my kin once more. But the night of the coronation, we danced together for hours. He was so graceful and charming. Afterwards, we walked through the gardens, like we always did. But, it was different this time. I don't know, we got to talking about what was to happen when we left, and somehow, we ended up kissing."
Nahlrie beamed at Tinwe.
"Oh, Tinwe, do you know how lucky you are? Prince Legolas is very picky, and you must have done something right to get your feelings reciprocated."
"I know, but I just have a strange feeling. I mean, what will his father say? I am a commoner. He'll want someone better than me for his only son."
"Tinwe," Nahlrie said sternly. "If you and Legolas love each other, than what can his father possibly do? Love is precious, and the king knows that. He will understand." Tinwe sighed, looking at her hands.
"I hope you are right."
"Of course I'm right. Now, why don't I help you prepare for the celebration tonight?"
Tinwe was walking down the hall to her parents' place, where Nahlrie was going to meet her later to help her prepare. But as she walked past a door, she felt a firm grip on her arm, and someone pulling her into the room. She squeaked in surprise, but stopped as she felt lips against her own. Smiling into the kiss, she wrapped her arms around Legolas' neck. She broke away a moment later, looking into his blue eyes.
"Have you heard about the party tonight?" he asked, holding her to him tightly.
"That's all anyone is talking about. I tried to talk to Icaria, but she just kept going on and on. I couldn't get a word in edge-wise."
"Hmm, I know the feeling. I tried to talk to my father earlier, but I got the same reaction."
"So he doesn't know yet?" Tinwe said, worried. Legolas smiled and kissed her gently.
"He will know soon enough. Just so long as you go to the celebration."
"I don't think I could escape going if I tried," Tinwe said warmly. She kissed Legolas again, not wanting to let go. However, he broke away far too soon.
"I have to go now. See you tonight?"
"Of course." Legolas smiled, and kissed her lightly, before slipping out into the hallway. Smiling, Tinwe followed him slowly out of the room, and down the hallway towards her parents. She could only imagine everyone's faces when they heard.
"Well, what do you think?" Tinwe asked, twirling around.
"It's Igorgeous/I!" Icaria said, looking at it enviously. "You make my gown look plain."
"I doubt that is possible," Tinwe laughed.
Icaria was dressed in a bright pink and gold gown with mesh sleeves. She was very noticeable in any light. Tinwe, on the other hand, wore an emerald green velvet gown, that made her eyes stand out like gems. It was shoulder-less, with long sleeves that went down to her fingertips. The cuffs, along with the neckline and hem, were embroidered with a delicate silver vine pattern. Her hair was loose and fell to the small of her back like a shimmering waterfall. She wore a silver tiara that resembled waves on the shore. Her silver mithril necklace was around her throat, gleaming in the candlelight. On her feet were a thin pair of light brown shoes, and an anklet of braided leather strung with silver charms.
"Well, no matter. Come on, let's hurry so we can watch everyone else arrive."
Icaria took her friend's hand, and together they ran through the halls, laughing. The party was to be outside, in a special clearing deep in the forest. The friends ran out into the forest giggling madly. At one point, they came across a family making their way slowly towards the festival.
"Excuse me, sir. Madame," Tinwe said, curtsying quickly before passing, still laughing merrily with Icaria. The two eldest elves looked at her, irritated. However, their eldest son watched the elleth pass, very interested in the beautiful girl who had nearly plowed over his mother.
"Here we are," Icaria said, stopping as they reached the clearing. Already there were a number of elves there, talking animatedly to one-another. Some of them Tinwe recognized from centuries previous, but others she did not. But she did not have time to think on it.
"Oh, come on Tinwe! Let's sit here. We will have a good view of the prince from here."
"Icaria, I should tell you," Tinwe began. Icaria turned to her friend, eyes glowing. "Oh, never mind. You'll find out soon enough."
Icaria looked at Tinwe, puzzled. But more elves were arriving, so she soon became distracted.
Soon, the clearing was filled with elves. Tinwe enjoyed talking to many of them, whom she had not seen for many years. It was wonderful to catch up with them, and see how their lives had changed. But, as she was talking with one of her mother's friends, she felt a tug at her sleeve. Looking around, she saw Icaria standing next to her.
"He's coming," she hissed in her ear. Looking up, Tinwe saw the king step into the clearing, closely followed by Legolas. He was wearing a midnight blue tunic and black leggings, making him look very mysterious. Tinwe clapped appreciatively along with everyone else, especially Icaria, who was looking especially gleeful.
"My children," King Thranduil began, as everyone grew quiet. "We are here to celebrate the safe return of my son, Prince Legolas." There was a scattering of applause, and cheers rang through the clearing. "He has just returned from fighting a terrific battle against the forces of Sauron. Thanks to him, we are now free from the threat of the dark lord!"
More cheers went around, as Thranduil stepped aside, so Legolas could make a speech.
"My friends, it is not me who should be honored tonight. I alone did not defeat Mordor. The victory goes to all who fought bravely for Middle Earth. The men of Rohan, of Gondor, many of whom lost their lives defending us. To my friends who journeyed alongside me from Rivendell. Boromir of Gondor, who died valiantly. Aragorn son of Arathorn, our friend and ally who now sits on Gondor's throne. Gimli, son of Gloin, a dwarf who, despite being wronged by us in the past, put aside his resentment and became my good friend. Mithrandir, who died in the Mines of Moria, yet returned to us more wise and powerful than before. To the four halflings, who, despite their size and lack of experience in the world, became the true heroes. First among them, Merridoc Brandybuck, esquire of Rohan. Peregrin Took, knight of Gondor. Samwise Gamgee, a true hero and inspiration to us all. And Frodo Baggins, the Ringbearer, who delivered the One Ring to Mount Doom, and defeated the dark lord."
There was a round of applause. Tinwe smiled, remembering all her friends. She would miss them. However, Legolas was not done.
"And, there is one last hero who should be mention here," he said, stepping off the platform that had been erected for the royal family. "For I am not the only representative of Mirkwood who fought in this epic battle."
"He wouldn't," Tinwe said softly. Icaria gave her a strange look.
"For I did not return home alone. Tonight, as we honor those who fought the forces of Mordor, we should also honor Lady Tinwe, who fought with skills and bravery that I have rarely seen in another." By now, Legolas was standing directly in front of Tinwe, whose eyes were shimmering brightly as she looked into his. "My lady, would you honor me with a dance?"
Tinwe beamed at him, and took his proffered hand. She ignored the dumbfounded look on Icaria's face and let him lead her out to the middle of the clearing. The elves parted to let them through, as a band struck up a soft melody.
"I think you could have broken that a little more gently," Tinwe said, as Legolas twirled her around. More couples were joining them on the dance floor, and they were no longer the center of attention.
"What fun would that be?" Legolas said, humor in his eyes. Tinwe shook her head, smiling. "You look beautiful though," he said softly in her ear. She felt her face flush slightly.
"Thank you, my lord," she said teasingly. "You don't look half bad yourself."
The two elves danced, laughing together as the moon rose high in the sky. Tinwe chose to ignore the many glares she was getting from noble women of the court, who had long sought to marry the prince. She felt special, knowing that Legolas had chosen her out of all the elves seeking his love. She let the world disappear, once again letting nothing exist besides herself and the blonde elf holding her hand, whom had won her heart.
The king watched thoughtfully as his son danced with the brown-haired lady whom he claimed had fought beside him in the War of the Ring. He remembered her face, but could not place it. He had said she was from Mirkwood, but he did not know her. She was a mystery, appearing out of the air and capturing the young Prince's heart. He knew it was only a matter of time until Legolas introduced her to him. However, he noticed many other male elves watching the beautiful lady as she danced, the moonlight shimmering on her gown. She was not without other suitors, that was clear. But what had she done to make his son fall for her? Legolas had rejected all other ladies brought to his attention. Her beauty was not to be questioned, for she stood out like a star against the night sky. But his son cared not for this. Soon, he would know who she was, and why she had such a powerful impact on Mirkwood's son.